Observed Collections Instructions

DOT requires an immediate collection under direct observation without any prior notice.

Observed Collection Process

Order Test → Receive QPassport → Call the Site → Notify Driver → Observed Collection Completed

Observed Drug Tests Instructions

1. Log in to your Express Labs account
2. Click Order Drug Tests on the top tabs
3. Select the Reason (Return-to-Duty or Follow-Up)
4. Site Locator - choose a site by ZIP code (collection fees included)
5. Click Complete Order
6. Review your order (charges apply only when tests are completed)
7. Call the site to confirm they have a same gender collector for an observed collection
8. Driver must bring the QPassport to complete the test

• The reason must be Return-to-Duty or Follow-Up because most collectors will not observe pre-employment or random tests even if the QPassport or paper form indicates “observed.”

Collection Requirements

• Collection must be directly observed
• Same-gender collector is required
• Collector must watch urine enter the container

Important Compliance Notice

• Failure to report is considered a refusal-to-test and treated as a positive result
• Delays in notifying drivers may result in legal liability if driver is in an accident before testing

Important Testing Notes

• Order drug tests online (QPassports) through your Express Labs account
• Or use the Quest paper forms provided by Express Labs
• Drivers must bring the QPassport or Quest form to the collection site
• All DOT drug tests must be ordered through Express Labs
• Results from other consortiums or third-party programs are not accepted

Invalid Result – Abnormal pH

• Urine pH in a DOT drug test should be 4.5–8. Levels outside this range may show tampering, dilution, or substitution and require retesting under direct observation

Invalid Result – Immunoassay Interference

• Interference with creatinine levels from medications, metabolites, or abnormal values may cause false positives or negatives, leading to retesting under direct observation

Invalid Result – Invalid Creatinine

• Creatinine confirms if a urine sample is genuine. Very low or abnormal levels may indicate dilution or substitution, requiring retesting under direct observation

Invalid Result – Bottle A & Bottle B – Different Appearance

• DOT tests split urine into bottle A (primary) and bottle B (split). If the bottles look different, it may signal tampering or contamination and require retesting under direct observation

Invalid Result – Temperature Out-of-Range

• Urine must be 90°F–100°F at collection. Readings outside this range suggest tampering or substitution. Drivers must give a second sample under direct observation or face a refusal-to-test

Invalid Result – Specific Gravity

• Specific gravity checks urine concentration. Out-of-range results may indicate dilution or adulteration and require retesting under direct observation

Express Labs FMCSA Random Drug & Alcohol Consortium
Observed Collections | Updated 2026